The Fall has been fishing well, and our guides have been seeing good numbers as well as a few exceptionally large fish. This is one of the best times of year to be fishing the Fall, with the ODFW consistently stocking the river there are good numbers of fish around, and the consistent spring creek flows of the Fall mean the water is cold and fish are comfortable. Nymphing will be the most consistent way to target these fish. Small Mayfly and Midge patterns have been effective, as well as some of the larger stimulator nymph patterns we have here in the shop. As far as dry fly fishing goes, there are some PMDs coming off in the mornings and terrestrials around through the warm afternoons. As mentioned above, there are decent numbers of exceptionally large rainbows in the system right now which can be fooled by a stealthy approach and well presented nymph. For fish that are stubborn or holding near cover that makes it difficult to achieve a natural drift, try jigging or slowly retrieving a Wooly Bugger, Leech, or small streamer.
One of the beautiful Fall River Rainbows brought to hand by Allison and her client on a recent trip.
Suggested Dries:
Parachute PMD #16-18, Sparkle Dun PMD #16-20, Tilt Wing PMD #16-18, Parachute Adams #16-20, Purple Haze #16-20, Purple Parawulff #16-18, CDC Flying Ant #16, Black Flying Ant #16, Black Stimulator #16
Suggested Nymphs:
Black or Red Winkers Midge #18-22, Black or Red Zebra Midge #18-22, Tailwater Tiny #18-22, Olive or Tan Anato-May #16-20, Pheasant Tail #16-18, Black or Red Two Bit Hooker #16-20, Black or Pearl Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Hare’s Ear #16-20, Copper Microstone #16,